Many a snare and temptation, young friend,

Will often obtrude in your way,

And constantly every footstep attend,

And threaten to lead you astray.

Perhaps you'll be tempted to hazard a lie,

Some trivial fault to conceal;

But remember that God, the all-seeing, is nigh,

And will one day the falsehood reveal.

You'll be tempted to cheat your companions at play,

For the sake of a marble or top;

But they who once enter dishonesty's way,

Will find it not easy to stop.

You'll be tempted, perhaps, holy friends to despise,

And follow the godless and vain;

But ever remember to walk with the wise

If heaven you seek to attain.

Another temptation will lie in your road,—

To think that religion is sad;

But none are so happy as those who love God,

And none are so dull as the bad.

Beware, too, of slighting the day of the Lord,

And never its duties neglect;

But meet with his people, and rev'rence his word,

If you would his blessing expect.

But though such temptations your path will attend,

The Lord will still make you his care,—

Will be, if you seek him, your guide and your friend,

'Mid every temptation and snare.